Lucas: I can fill the midfield void

Lucas Leiva watched admiringly as David Ngog staked a claim for a future at Anfield - and now wants to do the same.

Ngog scored twice to get Roy Hodgson’s reign off to a winning start in the Europa League against Rabotnicki on Thursday, and suggested he could secure a place in the first-team squad.

But while the 21-year-old striker knows the best he can hope for is a role as occasional understudy to Fernando Torres, Lucas has a loftier ambition.

He impressed Hodgson with his attitude in pre-season training sufficiently to win the captain’s armband in the absence of Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher.

And he wants the regular starting place that goes with it, given the opportunity that could arise with midfielder Javier Mascherano likely to leave.

After earning a part in the new-look Brazil squad designed to build a bright future for the Samba stars, he aims to do the same under the new regime at Anfield.

That would mean replacing Argentina captain Mascherano as one of the pivotal figures in the ­Liverpool team . . and Lucas believes he is up to it.

“We know the situation regarding Javier and of course we all hope he stays because he’s such a good player and important to the team,” said Lucas.

“We’ll have to wait and, but if he goes then I’m ready to play and to impress and do whatever job the manager needs from me.

“I’m not the same player as Javier, we have different styles, but I know I am able play the role Javier does because last season I played a few games when he was at right back.

“I’ve no problem with doing that job – I know I can do it if that’s what the manager wants. I think I did well last season but I think in this one I can do even better wherever I play.”

To achieve that ambition, Lucas knows he faces tough competition, with Hodgson determined to strengthen his midfield in the wake of the near-certain departure of Mascherano, which will see him slip swiftly down the pecking order.

But Lucas is used to a battle after a struggle to win acceptance for the Liverpool fans, who targeted him for abuse when he first emerged into the first team.

“I know there are a lot of senior players in front of me but I hope I did a good job and that I can stay in the team as well,” he said.